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Work starts on £5.4 million housing scheme

Published 24th Mar 2011

Construction work is set to begin on a £5.4m scheme in Middlesbrough to provide modern housing for older people and respite provision for adults with learning disabilities.

The development on the former Levick House care home site in Linthorpe will create 20 apartments for older people and respite accommodation for adults with learning disabilities.

The scheme on Cambridge Road is a partnership project between the Levick Trust, Middlesbrough Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Councillor Eddie Dryden, who chairs the Levick Trust, said he was extremely pleased work was set to get under way.

Cllr Dryden said: “It has taken a long time and a lot of hard work to get us to this point but the development is now becoming very real.

“This will be an excellent facility for older people and adults with learning disabilities in Middlesbrough and I really believe it builds on the legacy of the Levicks whose generosity will now continue to serve the needs of older people in Middlesbrough for many years to come.

“The Trust appreciate the patience of local residents and I hope they will soon see a high quality development which they will be happy with and will serve the people of Middlesbrough well.”

Councillor Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Social Care, said: “It is fantastic news that work is soon to start on the Levick House site for what will be a very valuable scheme for the town of Middlesbrough and its residents.

“It has taken a lot of commitment by a lot of people from various organisations to get to this stage and I thank them all for their efforts.”

The scheme has received £1.14m in funding from the Homes and Communities Agency.

Ray Minto, investment and regeneration manager at the HCA, said: “This scheme will make a real difference to life in the area, providing quality homes in place of a building that had become an eyesore.

“Getting to this stage has been a complex challenge for all the scheme’s partners, and full consultation with the local community has played a key role in shaping the plans.”

Demolition of the old Levick House and the bungalows has now been completed.

The Charity Commission has confirmed their agreement to the development and agreed changes to the objects of the Levick Trust which will allow married couples to live in the accommodation.

The contractor appointed to build the scheme is Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) North East.

Jonathan Horner, Operations Manager from FHM North East, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Levick Trust and Middlesbrough Council to develop this exciting new scheme.

“The new apartments will provide safe and secure housing for residents and I am sure they will be very happy with the quality of their new homes.”